Birth Doula
What is a Doula?
A Doula is the
name given to a woman, who is a Mother, who has been trained to provide
emotional and practical support during pregnancy, labour and afterwards. Her role is empathic, considerate and
reassuring. By using her skills,
alongside her knowledge she can help make birth a more special experience for
the whole family whether at hospital or home.
Her supportive
presence inspires confidence in the woman's ability to give birth and helps
reduce fear of the unknown. She is
always positive. Her commitment is
total.
It is meeting a
woman's deepest emotional needs that a Doula can so dramatically affect
labour. What women need is someone
who understands them, someone who 'speaks their language' at the most intimate
time of their lives. Someone whom
they can trust.
A Doula does not
replace the Father but frees him from feeling totally responsible for his
partners well being. She allows
him the freedom to participate as and when he feels able. She respects their relationship and is
sensitive to both their needs.
A succession of
reports in major medical journals have shown that the presence of a Doula:
- shortens labour by several hours
- halves the need for caesarean and forceps deliveries
- reduces the need for use of painkillers and epidurals
The
benefits go on...
Women who have
had doulas present at their births:
- are less likely to have post natal depression
- show higher self esteem about their labour
- are more confident of their ability to birth their baby and care for it
A little bit about about me
I am a Doula UK recognised birth doula (see http://doula.org.uk for more information). I am Mum to two gorgeous boys (Henry and Freddy) and Wife to Kevin. I am a warm, caring and friendly person, with a love for the outdoors (how can I not be with two boys?). I love running, cycling and open water swimming (only in the Summer though otherwise “brrrr”). I enjoy the theatre for when I need a sit down in a dark room and have even been known to tread the boards myself at the Palace Theatre, Redditch a few times, but am having a bit of a break whilst I focus on my doula and birth work. |
| With my first baby - Henry (and my inspiration…) |
I have been a Doula at 4 births and my experience has included both hospital and home births, induction of labour, VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 csections) and cesarean birth. I am continuing my doula recognition. I am always supportive of wherever and however a mum chooses to birth her baby.
What I can offer
Firstly, we have an initial meeting (which is free). This is a good opportunity for us to meet and ask any questions.
If you decide
that having me as your Birth Doula is right for you, we then arrange 3 more
antenatal visits. During these
visits, we build up a strong bond of trust. We work on breathing techniques, birthing positions,
relaxation etc., as well as discussing birth ideas/plans, any fears or anxieties
and relevant treatments.
I'll never push
ideas onto you that you are not comfortable with, but I'll give you the
information that you need to make the choices that are right for you.
You will have
continuity of care throughout your pregnancy and labour. I'll be on call, 24 hours a day, 2
weeks before and 2 weeks after your due date. When you go into labour, I'll be there for you until your
baby is born and you are both settled.
I offer 2 postnatal visits to make sure you are doing ok and that your transition into
parenthood is as smooth as possible and this can include breastfeeding support if required.
How much?
Total fee: £550
£100 payable with
signed contract at booking to secure on call period
£450 payable at
second antenatal meeting
What’s included?
- Initial introductory meeting
- 2 antenatal visits (approx 1.5 hours each) approx weeks 32 and 37
- on call, 24 hrs a day, for 4 weeks (2 weeks before and 2 weeks after due date)
- unlimited phone calls/emails during on call period
- labour and birth (no time limit!)
- 2 postnatals visits - first visit usually within 2 weeks of the birth
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